Pairing solar panels with inverter for pool pump

[Gambit12]

if i had gone solar for my pool it would have paid for itself in 3 years .pumps are around 6k and panels depends on what you buy .i would save around R600 to R850 per month just on thevpool pump .i also have no use for an inverter system for the home .the motors run from 70 volts upwards

This is my objective. To only run my pump off solar.

Until there is no power? If Eskom is down and your system is running? Also a lot of inveters need the battery for backup especially if they're running in solar mode.

If Eskom is down then the pump just won't run. No biggy. I don't understand why I can't get an inverter without a battery lol, with 1st priority running on solar. 2nd priority on the grid. That's all I would like to do.

 

[Lupus]

This is my objective. To only run my pump off solar.


If Eskom is down then the pump just won't run. No biggy. I don't understand why I can't get an inverter without a battery lol, with 1st priority running on solar. 2nd priority on the grid. That's all I would like to do.

How would the pump know there is no power from Eskom?

 

[wingnut771]

My friend got 2 panels and a dc pump from hyperpools. Got a small controller, shows refs, etc.

Cost?

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

Hi guys,

I would like some advise on what spec solar panels to connect to my inverter. I would like to DIY my pool pump from solar. I don't want to use batteries. Only solar. Inverter will be connected to the pool pump DB for AC supply as 2nd alternative.

Pump spec:

Speck 1.1kW
Operating Watts: 1085w (Tested)
Start-up watts: 1630w (Tested)

Proposed Inverter: Growatt 3000w. Max PV array 1500w. Max open circuit voltage: 102VDC. MPPT range@operating voltage: 30-80 VDC.

https://www.solarwaysuppliers.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/GROWATT-PDF-NEW.pdf

Questions:

• I'm thinking of getting 3 x 400 watt panels. Is that fine? What do I need to look out for?
• Can the inverter operate without batteries connected?
• If the power generated from the panels doesn't meet the full pump load. Can the balance be taken from the grid?
• I assume the motor start-up can be powered by AC and then switch to solar for operating power?

Any advice would really be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Delwin

You're going about this the wrong way, no sense turning DC panels into AC for a pump when DC pumps exist, many options eg:

Bundu Power | Diesel Generators and Solar

South Africa's leader in diesel generators, solar systems, and power solutions.

www.bundupower.co.za

Just google solar pool pump.

 

[wingnut771]

You're going about this the wrong way, no sense turning DC panels into AC for a pump when DC pumps exist, many options eg:

Bundu Power | Diesel Generators and Solar

South Africa's leader in diesel generators, solar systems, and power solutions.

www.bundupower.co.za

Just google solar pool pump.

Cost? I still believe it makes more sense to spend the money on backup power for the house that the AC pool pump works off.

 

[wingnut771]

 

[The_Ogre]

How do you grid-tie when you can't feed back into the grid? I suppose you can but a lot of solar gets wasted. Buying a new pump is expensive and makes more sense putting that money into the house system that the pool can feed off imho.

You use a micro-inverter.

 

[The_Ogre]

This is my objective. To only run my pump off solar.


If Eskom is down then the pump just won't run. No biggy. I don't understand why I can't get an inverter without a battery lol, with 1st priority running on solar. 2nd priority on the grid. That's all I would like to do.

See my post above. You can save on your bill by using a micro-inverter which doesn't need a battery, but which supplements your incoming feed from the grid with solar, thereby driving your bill down.

 

[soulie]

Cost? I still believe it makes more sense to spend the money on backup power for the house that the AC pool pump works off.

yes for some .others dont need backup power .lots of areas dont have shedding or eskom problems .if youre in a bad area yes for sure .

 

[soulie]

View attachment 1405061

thats an expensive pump .900watt units start at around 6k and run from 70v to around 160v

 

[wingnut771]

You use a micro-inverter.

 

[marhsava]

OP what did you end up getting?